Module 2

Question 1

What two systems are proposed by the dual’process theory of instrumental action?

Answer 1

1. Goal-directed system: top-down, flexible
2. Habituation-based system: bottom-up, automatic

Question 2

What kind of shift happens through behavioral repetition?

Answer 2

Shift from goal-directed action to habitual action

Question 3

Substantia nigra is very important for…

Answer 3

Motor control/movement

Question 4

What are the two regions of the substantia nigra?

Answer 4

1. Substantia nigra par compacta
2. Substantica nigra pars reticulata

Question 5

What neurotransmitter is very present in the nigrostriatal pathway?

Answer 5

Dopamine, it has a lot of dopamine neurons

Question 6

What are the two criteria of goal-directed behavior?

Answer 6

1. Cognitive belief criterion: believing action will lead to goal.
2. Motivational desire criterion: the goal of the action is actually desired.

Question 7

What are the three general phases of the outcome devaluation paradigm?

Answer 7

1. Instrumental learning
2. Outcome devaluation
3. Critical test (in extinction)

Question 8

What are the two main results of outcome devaluation paradigms in rats?

Answer 8

1. Rats are capable of G-D behavior.
2. Overtraining leads to a diminished devaluation effect.

Question 9

Tricomi et al., did a study on outcome devaluation, involving a 1-day training group and a 3-day training group. What is the result?

Answer 9

The 3-day group showed continued response to devalued rewards, whereas the 1-day group did not.

Question 10

In the study by Tricomi et al, what brain area showed activation to the anticipation of a reward?

Answer 10

The vmPFC, relatd to G-D behavior by representing the reward.

Question 11

What executive functions have shown to be impaired in addicts?

Answer 11

Decision making, cognitive flexibility (incl. set shifting), inhibitory control.

Question 12

What is the main premise of the Habit Theory of addiction?

Answer 12

Aberrantly strong habits + impaired cognitive control mediate the transition from G-D drug use to habitual, compulsive drug seeking.

Question 13

What are two aspects in which the Habit Theory of addiction implements the Dual-Processing theory?

Answer 13

Habituation-based system: drugs affect dopamine system, habit formation is reinforced.
G-D system: g-d control is damaged by drugs’ neurotoxicity

Question 14

What do the Habit Theory of addiction and the Incentive-Sensitization Theory have in common?

Answer 14

They both view behavior as context-dependent.

Question 15

What areas of the brain are related to goal-directed behavior?

Answer 15

vmPFC, OFC, caudate

Question 16

What areas are related to habit-based action?

Answer 16

PMC, posterior putamen